When we sit down for prayer meeting, or in our prayer closet with the requests from friends and family, what do we pray for? Let’s compare that to what Paul prayed for.
It is remarkable that in all of his writings Paul’s prayers for his friends contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances. It is certain that they lived in the midst of many dangers and hardships. They faced persecution, death from disease, oppression by powerful forces, and separation from loved ones. Their existence was far less secure than ours is today. Yet in these prayers you see not one petition for a better emperor, for protection from marauding armies, or even for bread for the next meal. Paul does not pray for the goods we would usually have near the top of our lists of requests.
None of these things are wrong to pray for – we’re commanded to pray for all our worries!
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7
But what was Paul’s primary prayer request?
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Ephesians 1:17
Before we ask Christ to do for us, we need to ask to know Him better!
